Former Dolphins DT Manny Fernandez Dies At 79
Former Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez has died, per a team announcement made on Tuesday. He was 79.
Fernandez played a total of eight seasons (1968-75), beginning his career when Miami was in the AFL. At the onset of the post-merger period, the former undrafted free agent was instrumental in the Dolphins’ success. That included key roles leading up to and during the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances early in the 1970s.
A full-time starter for most of his career – which was spent exclusively in Miami – Fernandez enjoyed productive showings in the regular season. He is, however, best remembered for his output during the playoffs and in Miami’s Super Bowls. Fernandez is officially credited with 4.5 career postseason sacks, and his performance in Super Bowl LVII was critical in cementing Miami’s perfect campaign in 1972. To this day, that remains the only undefeated regular and postseason in NFL history.
Miami went on to win the following Super Bowl and further cement the legacy of head coach Don Shula and the core players who led the way to that sustained success. Fernandez was certainly among that group, totaling at least four sacks in each of his first six seasons. His career took place before tackles became an official statistic, but the Utah product served as a key figure against the run in addition to his work as a pass rushing presence.
Every member of the ’72 team was ultimately inducted into the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor. Fernandez’s accolades – which included a top-10 finish in MVP voting in 1970 – made him one of the players honored again on an individual basis, though. That took place in 2014, further highlighting his significance to the Dolphins and to the ‘No-Name’ defense which he played a central role in across the course of his decorated career.
Texans To Sign WR Jha’Quan Jackson
The Texans recently hosted a number of free agent receivers for workouts. That process has now resulted in at least one contract agreement.
Houston has agreed to terms with Jha’Quan Jackson, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. Jackson was one of five wideouts who received a look from the Texans, joining River Cracraft, D’Wayne Eskridge, Samori Toure and Demarcus Lacey in that regard. The other free agents will now turn their attention elsewhere unless another Houston signing is being planned.
Jackson was a sixth-round pick of the Titans in 2024. He made 12 appearances as a rookie, seeing sparse usage on offense during that span. The Tulane product handled punt return duties but struggled with fumbles before being replaced in that role. Jackson did not survive roster cuts at the end of training camp last year; he was briefly on the Saints’ practice squad but did not see any game time with New Orleans.
The Texans’ WR depth chart is set to once again be topped by Nico Collins in 2026. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are preparing for their second NFL campaigns, while Tank Dell could return to action after being sidelined for all of last season. Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne are also in the fold, so Jackson will face an uphill battle in terms of carving out a roster spot during training camp this summer.
Houston entered Tuesday with roughly $17.7MM in cap space. This Jackson signing will not make a notable impact to that figure, so further roster moves will be feasible ahead of upcoming mandatory practices next month and training camp in the summer.
Eagles Eyeing 2027 First-Rounder For WR A.J. Brown; Rams No Longer Suitors
A.J. Brown will remain a member of the Eagles through at least June 1. A trade after that upcoming date is still expected, although an agreement between Philadelphia and Brown’s long-presumed next team does not appear to be in place.
[RELATED: Chiefs Have Not Pursued Brown]
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms (video link) the Patriots are still considered the likeliest team to swing a trade in this case. Negotiations have taken place throughout the offseason on a swap which would see Brown reunite with head coach Mike Vrabel. To no surprise, though, the matter of the price in a trade is still unresolved.
The Patriots have not previously been willing to part with a first-round pick to acquire Brown. Rapoport notes Philadelphia continues to seek a Day 1 selection in the 2027 draft, one projected to be much stronger than the class from last month’s event. New England’s preference, meanwhile, remains a lower price to finalize the trade. It will be interesting to see the Patriots’ efforts to avoid outbidding themselves ultimately result in an agreement relatively soon.
The Rams have loomed as a strong Brown suitor at times this spring. Rapoport adds Los Angeles was the three-time Pro Bowler’s preferred destination, but he will not be heading there. Despite the fact previous talks between the Eagles and Rams went further than they did with the Patriots, Rapoport confirms Los Angeles is no longer in the running for Brown. Once the Rams elected to retain Davante Adams, the expectation emerged that he would spend a second season with the team as a complement to Puka Nacua.
Both Nacua and Adams are pending 2027 free agents as things stand. That led many to connect Los Angeles to wideout Makai Lemon ahead of the first round of the draft, but the Rams drafted quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall instead. The Rams’ decision on that front helped allow the Eagles to trade up to No. 20 and draft Lemon, their latest move to bring in a new receiver and help soften the impact of the long-anticipated Brown departure.
The Patriots currently have roughly $35.5MM in cap space. Absorbing the remainder of Brown’s contract – which runs through 2029 – should be feasible as a result. The possibility of trade talks picking up between Philadelphia and New England will make for an intriguing storyline with the window of opportunity for a swap opening soon.
Community Tailgate: Baker Mayfield
Upon arrival in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield faced tempered expectations to say the least. The former No. 1 pick faced questions about his ability to handle starting quarterback duties in the NFL, let alone deliver the production he has amassed over the past three seasons.
Mayfield shone while playing on a one-year, $4MM pact in 2023. His strong showing indicated a long-term partnership with Tampa Bay could be feasible, and a lucrative deal was worked out. Team and player finalized a three-year, $100MM contract to avoid another free agent departure in Mayfield’s case.
The Buccaneers made clear their commitment to the ex-Brown, Panther and Ram last summer by locking in much of his 2026 compensation. Mayfield is owed $40MM for the coming season, one in which he is scheduled to carry a cap charge of roughly the same amount. This spring/summer has long been viewed as the time for an agreement to be reached, and multiple expressions of confidence that will take place have been made by the Bucs recently.
Co-owner Joel Glazer spoke in April about Mayfield’s importance and his willingness to authorize another big-money extension. Since then, general manager Jason Licht has confirmed a new Mayfield deal remains high on Tampa Bay’s priority list. It would come as no surprise if a new pact were to be in place by the start of training camp in July as a result. Keeping one starter in place over a lengthy period is not commonplace when it comes to the Buccaneers, though, and questions about the ideal value of a new Mayfield deal will be raised.
After setting a new career high in passing yards during his debut Bucs campaign, Mayfield topped that figure in 2024 while adding a new personal mark in touchdowns (41) and passer rating (106.8). Pro Bowl nods arrived in both cases, elevating expectations for 2025. Mayfield was in the early MVP conversation, but his production waned over time as Tampa Bay struggled through a number of injuries up front at at the skill positions. Defensive letdowns also contributed heavily to the Buccaneers falling outside of the postseason despite playing in an NFC South which produced four teams with a losing record.
A change at the offensive coordinator spot was made during this year’s hiring cycle. Zac Robinson replaced Josh Grizzard in a move which included input from Mayfield himself. After briefly crossing paths with the Rams, Robinson and Mayfield will look to establish a lengthy partnership, something which could provide the OC stability that has eluded Mayfield throughout his career. Either way, attention will turn over the course of the near future to the matter of extension talks.
The top of the quarterback market remains $60MM per year thanks to the deal Dak Prescott inked in 2024. He did so at the age of 31, the same spot Mayfield currently finds himself in. Nine other passers are attached to an average annual value of $51MM or more, a figure which would represent a considerable raise in this case. Earlier this offseason, the Colts gave Daniel Jones nearly $50MM in full guarantees and $88MM total on a two-year pact to keep him in the fold. A short-term Mayfield accord would no doubt carry similar financial terms, whereas a longer commitment would bring with it substantial payments in terms of locked-in money.
Mayfield has managed to play every game since arrival in Tampa Bay, and that durability has added to his value after playing through injuries throughout his career. On the other hand, the Bucs have only managed a record of 27-24 over the past three years; the team has recorded just one postseason victory during that span. Electing to have Mayfield play out his final deal before departing would result in a $30.15MM dead money charge, but it would also pave the way for a replacement being brought in via another low-cost veteran addition or a rookie being selected in the draft.
No long-term successor is in place right now for Tampa Bay. That is of course another indication a big-ticket contract should be expected for Mayfield. Do you agree with that approach from the Buccaneers, or would the team be better suited to begin planning for a transition to a new signal-caller for 2027? Have your say in the comments section below.
No Holdout Expected For Cowboys WR George Pickens
George Pickens is attached to the franchise tag. Plenty of time remains for a long-term deal to be negotiated and take its place, but it has long been clear no talks on that front will be ocurring.
Pickens was among the players absent from the opening of spring workouts earlier this month, as noted by Nick Harris of the Fort-Worth Star Telegram. All team activities during this time is of course voluntary, though, so the Cowboys wideout will not be subject to fines for his absence. That would change in the event Pickens were to skip the mandatory portions of the offseason, something which is not anticipated.
During a recent appearance on SportsCenter (h/t Bleacher Report), ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Pickens is not expected to engage in a holdout during mandatory minicamp next month or training camp this summer. Doing so would lead to the Pro Bowler receiving fines for his absence. Fowler confirmed Pickens’ preference would be to have a long-term deal in place (or at least for the door to be open to negotiating one), which is obviously true of all tagged players. Nevertheless, attendance for the mandatory portion of the offseason would be an encouraging sign.
In recent years, players dissatisfied with their financial situations have opted to engage in a hold-in by being present for mandatory work but not taking part in on-field practices. It will be interesting to see if Pickens considers taking that route. The 25-year-old is on track to collect $27.3MM in 2026 by playing on the franchise tag. That figure represents a substantial raise compared to his rookie contract but falls short of what a number of the league’s highest-paid wideouts average on an annual basis. Nine receivers are currently attached to a deal carrying an AAV of $30MM or more.
Upon arrival in Dallas via trade last year, Pickens and his camp opted to avoid pursuing a long-term pact. That decision made his 2025 production critical, and the former second-rounder enjoyed career-best figures across the board. Expectations remain high for the coming season, one in which the Cowboys could again produce on offense while aiming to make needed defensive improvements. Another healthy campaign from Pickens featuring similar totals to his first Dallas season would result in a second franchise tag or a stronger position to negotiate a massive multiyear agreement.
June 1 marks the beginning of the Cowboys’ OTAs. They will be followed by mandatory minicamp, which will run from June 16-18. Pickens skipping out on those practices would leave him open to financial penalties, but that appears to be a scenario the team does not think will unfold.
PFR Originals: Bengals, RBs, Mayfield, Steelers, Fifth-Year Options
Here is a quick rundown of PFR’s recent original content:
- Connor Byrne polled readers on the outlook for the Bengals in 2026. This offseason has been marked by a number of defensive additions, and improved play on that side of the ball is expected. On the other hand, Zac Taylor‘s team has missed the playoffs for three straight years and Joe Burrow‘s health is always a question mark. Cincinnati went 9-8 for two straight years before dropping to 6-11 last year. PFR’s readers are essentially in an even split on the question of whether or not the Bengals can reach double-digit wins in 2026.
- The running back position has long seen a stagnant financial market compared to several others. In an illustration of that reality, Sam Robinson listed the most lucrative non-rookie pacts in each franchise’s history at the RB spot. The group covered in that breakdown spans four different decades, indicating how many teams have avoided big-money free agent deals over an extended period. The financial landscape at other positions (such as quarterback, receiver, edge rusher and defensive tackle) have continued to surge with the NFL’s salary cap consistently rising. Running backs, by contrast, have faced a much different reality. That is likely to remain the case moving forward.
- Over the course of his three years with the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield has established himself as a QB1 the team aims to keep in the fold for years to come. With an extension widely expected to be finalized in the near future, I asked readers whether or not they agree that Tampa Bay should make another big-money commitment to the two-time Pro Bowler. Most of Mayfield’s best performances have come with the Bucs, but he is 31 and the team has managed only one playoff victory with him leading the way. One season remains on Mayfield’s current deal, and a new one will require a raise. The Buccaneers are faced with the possibility of having the former No. 1 pick play out the 2026 campaign and explore successions options next spring or making a lucrative commitment (presumably) before training camp begins.
- Aaron Rodgers is back in place with the Steelers, and shortly after finalizing his new contract he stated the coming season will be his last. Pittsburgh is in an interesting position, and Connor polled readers about the team’s ceiling during Year 2 of its Rodgers partnership. A small minority believe improvement from 2025’s 10-7 showing will be in store. A larger group predicts another campaign featuring nine or 10 wins is likely, while 47% of voters see the Steeler regressing to eight wins or fewer. That would break the team’s streak of non-losing seasons which ran throughout former head coach Mike Tomlin‘s 19-year tenure.
- The beginning of May marked the deadline for teams around the league to decide on the fifth-year options of 2023 draftees, and Sam kept track of each call made. Of the 32 first-rounders from that year, 22 had their options exercised; they are on the books through at least 2027 as a result. The remaining players are now on course for free agency next spring, largely speaking. An exception has already emerged in the form of Jack Campbell and the Lions. Detroit declined Campbell’s option but has since signed him to a four-year extension.
Texans TE Cade Stover Fully Recovered From Hernia Surgery
Cade Stover was largely healthy during his rookie campaign but he was limited to nine games during the regular season last year. He has returned to full health in time for spring practices with the Texans, though.
Stover suffered a knee injury during Houston’s divisional round loss. As Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports, the injury did not require surgery. A procedure did wind up being necessary for a hernia, however. Wilson adds Stover managed to recover from that surgery in time to participate in full during the Texans’ conditioning program.
[RELATED: E.J. Speed Suffers Quadriceps Tear]
As a rookie, Stover logged a 40% snap share on offense. That figure grew slightly in 2025 despite the fact he broke his foot in Week 1. A notable workload may not be in store with respect to the passing game, seeing as the 25-year-old has only been targeted 38 times to date in his career. Nevertheless, Stover will be expected to be a regular run-blocking figure on offense provided he can remain healthy for the start of the 2026 season.
The Texans’ tight end position also includes returnee Dalton Schultz, free agent signing Foster Moreau and second-round rookie Marlin Klein. Brevin Jordan is in the fold as well, something which could create a logjam at the TE spot. Wilson adds Stover has been taking reps at fullback this spring. A part-time role in that capacity could of course increase his playing time for Year 3 in the NFL.
Jordan missed all of last season due to a torn patellar tendon but agreed to an extension in December. Per Wilson, the five-year veteran is “making a sound recovery” from that injury, his latest notable one. A clean bill of health in Jordan’s case would be key as the Texans weigh their tight end options leading up to roster cuts at the end of the summer. That process will include Stover aiming to carve out a role while looking to join Jordan as a full training camp participant.
Bills TE Dalton Kincaid Addresses Decision To Avoid Offseason Knee Surgery
Injuries have hampered Dalton Kincaid over each of the past two seasons. He opted not to undergo surgery to repair an injured PCL during the 2025 offseason, a decision which was repeated this past winter.
“After the season ended, I talked to a lot of doctors who know a lot more than I do regarding the PCL and everything that has to do with health, and they advised against it,” Kincaid said when reflecting on his choice (via The Athletic’s Tim Graham). “So I believe them, and that kind of went into setting a good foundation for strength around the knee to support it.”
Kincaid entered the league with high expectations, and he enjoyed a productive rookie season with the Bills (73-673-2 statline). Issues with his knee have led to missed time and a reduced workload since then, however. In 2025, he only logged a snap share of 38% and was targeted a career-low 49 times. That did not prevent the Bills from exercising Kincaid’s fifth-year option. He is due $8.16MM in 2027 as a result.
Upgrading at the receiver position was seen as a priority entering the 2026 offseason. Buffalo swung a trade for D.J. Moore before selecting Skylar Bell in the fourth round of last month’s draft. Curtis Samuel was cut in March, while Brandin Cooks remains unsigned at this time despite having spoken with Buffalo about a new deal. While the team will be counting on a step forward from Keon Coleman, the WR spot will face a number of questions entering 2026. A strong showing from Kincaid would of course alleviate concerns in the passing game.
“I’d say it’s probably the best I’ve felt in my career at this point in the year,” the 26-year-old said of his overall health situation at this time. “Just not having those thoughts of the knee, especially last year. At this point, I feel really good. I’m not even thinking about it out there.”
Dawson Knox is still in the fold thanks to the new deal he agreed to earlier this offseason. That will offer stability at the tight end spot, but a productive campaign from Kincaid would offer a welcomed boost to the Bills’ offense. It would also, of course, help his chances of landing an extension next offseason. 2026 will again represent a test case of whether or not he made the right decision to have his knee recover without undergoing a procedure, but he is positioned to at least begin the campaign with a clean bill of health.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz: Derwin James Extension Remains High Priority
As things stand, Derwin James is a pending 2027 free agent. Discussions on another extension have taken place, however, and there is plenty of time to finalize an agreement.
James has spent his entire eight-year career as a member of the Chargers, playing seven seasons with the team. He has shown an ability to remain one of the league’s best safeties while playing out his current $19MM-per-year pact. Another commitment from the Bolts could soon be in store as a result. During a recent appearance on Up & Adams, general manager Joe Hortiz was asked where a James extension sits on the priority list.
“It’s high. It’s high,” Hortiz confirmed (video link). “I’ve told the story, in Baltimore we had Derwin up there as the number one player on our board in that draft, you know, the number one player available when we were picking. And we took a trade back and he got picked. I said to him when I first met him, I’m like, ‘Gosh, you should’ve been a Raven. We traded away from you, but I’m glad you’re not because I’m here now.'”
2026 marks Hortiz’s third year leading the Chargers’ front office. He and head coach Jim Harbaugh oversaw a playoff appearance in 2024 and again last year. Los Angeles lost in the wild-card round both times, though, and plenty of changes on the roster and along the sidelines have taken place in recent months. James, who will be 30 by the start of the 2026 campaign, will be counted on to remain a cornerstone figure on defense for at least one more season.
The five-time Pro Bowler is owed $17.5MM for 2026 with a scheduled cap hit of $24.61MM. A third contract for James could move him closer to the top of the safety market (which is now $25.1MM per year) or at least provide him with a new round of guarantees. It would also no doubt lower the Florida State product’s immediate cap charge, although creating financial flexibility is not a pressing need given Los Angeles’ available spending power.
2026 will also the final year of edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu‘s rookie contract. He is another player Hortiz mentioned as a candidate for an extension once talks ramped up following the draft. By the time training camp starts, Tuipulotu and James could very well be attached to lucrative new deals.
5 Key Stories: 5/17/26 – 5/24/26
Organized Team Activities are underway around the NFL. Voluntary spring workouts are often a sign of the less impactful period of the league’s calendar, but plenty of noteworthy developments have taken place in recent days. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:
- Stafford Lands Latest Rams Extension: Matthew Stafford was already on the books with guaranteed money for 2026, but the reigning MVP has lined up his newest commitment from the Rams. A one-year extension has been worked out in this case. As such, Stafford is due to collect between $55MM and $60MM in 2027. That total will be combined with the money already set to be paid out to result in up to $105MM being paid out across the next two seasons. Stafford, 38, will continue to face retirement questions over that span. Los Angeles’ succession plan at the quarterback spot will also be a talking point with No. 13 pick Ty Simpson in the fold. Nevertheless, the Rams remain committed to Stafford over the short term, and his immense career earnings figure is set to grow considerably.
- Giants Keeping Schoen Past 2026: With the Giants undergoing a number of organizational changes this offseason, general manager Joe Schoen‘s job security increasingly became a question mark. Instead of having Schoen finish out the final year of his pact, though, New York has authorized an extension. Schoen – who has been in place since 2022 – has overseen just one winning season so far as an NFL GM. The arrival of new head coach John Harbaugh is widely thought to have limited Schoen’s power in the front office, but the two have expressed a willingness to work alongside one another. That will be put to the test over the coming years with the Giants aiming to rebuild around Harbaugh and a number of new core players. Schoen’s status past 2026 will no doubt be tied in large part to the success seen during the upcoming campaign.
- Lions Extend Campbell: The Lions recently chose to decline linebacker Jack Campbell‘s fifth-year option. The decision did not close the door to a long-term pact, though, and one has indeed been finalized. Campbell signed a four-year, $81MM extension which will keep him under team control through 2030. Coming off an All-Pro season, Campbell has moved into second place in terms of average annual compensation at the LB position. The 25-year-old also managed to secure $51.5MM in guarantees, a figure which illustrates Detroit’s level of commitment in this case. Of course, the presence of this pact will lead to questions about whether or not the Lions will be able to also work out long-term extensions with other 2023 draftees Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. In any case, Campbell will be counted on to anchor the second level of the team’s defense for the foreseeable future.
- Rodgers Plans To Retire After Second Steelers Season: The lengthy wait for Aaron Rodgers to officially re-join the Steelers came to an end in time for OTAs. To no surprise, his new Pittsburgh deal is one year in length. That will set Rodgers up to end his career after the 2026 campaign. During his first media availability since coming back, the future Hall of Famer confirmed he plans to make this season his last. Rodgers will turn 43 late in the 2026 slate, and retirement has been a talking point through the latter stages of his career. His first Steelers season produced a playoff appearance, and expectations for a similar showing will be in place this time around. Pittsburgh has Drew Allar and Will Howard in place as potential successors, but for one more year Rodgers will look to add to his career accolades.
- Chiefs’ Rice Facing Jail Time: Rashee Rice‘s probationary period was recently violated when he tested positive for THC. As a result, the Chiefs wideout has been ordered to serve 30 days in prison. That sentence was originally due to take place at a time of Rice’s choosing, but he is now set to serve it right away. As such, he will miss out on Kansas City’s OTA practices and the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. 2026 represents the final year of Rice’s rookie contract, and he is currently recovering from knee surgery. The Chiefs are not considering an extension at this time, so plenty will be on the line when Rice returns to action following his latest legal matter.